Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization as a Diagnostic Tool in Cancer

Abstract

The knowledge of the primary origin of tumor is essential in designing an efficient cancer treatment algorithm. Useful diagnostic tools enable determina tion of primary origin of the tumor; however the majority of them require tissue examination. Recent years, exploration of circulating tumor cells enabled scientists to study different parameters using the painless liquid biopsy. The present study aimed to identify whether aCGH might be used as a diagnostic tool in cancer detecting the primary origin of the tumor. Blood was extracted from healthy individuals and cancer samples and CTCs isolated. DNA extracted from the above samples and aCGH experiments followed. The samples were blinded analyzed and then unmasked to calculate specificity and sensitivity of the method. The sensitivity was 94%, the specificity 88%, while the positive prediction rate of the primary tumor was 72%. aCGH is a powerful tool in cancer diagnosis and treatment plan with high sensitivity and specificity rates. It can be performed from blood sample, which makes it an appropriate method for every patient, mainly for patients with unknown origin of the primary tumor.